Not exactly.

Whisky is certainly woven throughout the experience, but The Spirit of Scotland is designed to showcase the very best of Scotland through its history, landscapes, cuisine, hospitality, and people. Whether you're an experienced whisky enthusiast or simply whisky-curious, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

Absolutely not.

Many of our experiences offer excellent non-alcoholic options, and several of our favorite moments have nothing to do with whisky at all. You're welcome to participate at whatever level feels comfortable for you.

Not a problem!

This journey was designed to appeal to travelers who appreciate great food, beautiful scenery, meaningful experiences, and wonderful company. If you enjoy learning about local culture and craftsmanship, you'll fit right in.

Expect a moderate amount of walking throughout the trip.

Most days include leisurely walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, or distillery grounds. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, and many activities include opportunities to sit and relax.

Yes!

In addition to the complete nine-day journey, many of our hosted experiences and several multi-day packages will also be available separately. Whether you'd like to join us in Edinburgh, meet us on Islay, or attend a single celebration, we'd love to have you.

Absolutely.

Many guests will be traveling solo, and we've intentionally designed the itinerary to make it easy to meet people naturally throughout the week. Shared meals, hosted events, and small group experiences create plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

Absolutely! One of the greatest joys of travel is sharing it with the people you care about.

If you're joining us, you're welcome to bring your spouse, partner, family members, or friends. My hope is that if someone wants to travel halfway around the world to spend time together in Scotland, they should be able to share that experience with the people who matter most to them.

To help preserve the friendly, community atmosphere that makes this trip special, we simply ask that if you're planning to bring guests beyond your primary travel companion who don't already know Amanda, you reach out first. It's not about limiting who can join, it's about making sure everyone is excited for the same kind of experience and helping maintain the welcoming, close-knit atmosphere that makes The Spirit of Scotland so special.

The goal is simple: to create an experience where strangers quickly become friends, and everyone feels like part of the group from the very first evening.

We want every guest to have an incredible experience, so it's important to understand the pace of the journey before booking.

The itinerary includes walking on cobblestone streets, uneven distillery floors, ferry travel, beaches, stairs, and standing for portions of tours and events. While we build in plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the slower pace of Scotland, this is an active trip and is not designed to be fully accessible.

Likewise, while children are certainly welcome in Scotland, this itinerary is designed primarily for adults who enjoy food, travel, culture, and whisky. Families interested in bringing children are welcome to reach out before booking so we can discuss whether the experience is likely to be a good fit.

If you have questions about mobility, accessibility, or whether the itinerary suits your travel style, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd much rather have that conversation before you book than have you arrive with different expectations.

Great question! We’re not sure yet, and intentionally keeping the experience intimate while still creating the energy of a shared celebration.

Our goal is to provide exclusive access to many venues while keeping the experience personal.

Think boutique rather than extravagant.

We've prioritized exceptional experiences, outstanding hospitality, beautiful hotels, remarkable food, and exclusive access over unnecessary extravagance. It's about creating memorable moments, not simply adding luxury for luxury's sake.

Definitely.

While many experiences are hosted, we've intentionally built free time into the itinerary so you can explore at your own pace, relax with a dram overlooking the sea, wander Edinburgh's streets, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon.

Of course there is. This is Scotland.

While golf isn't the focus of The Spirit of Scotland, we know some travelers dream of playing where the game was born. We'll offer optional golf opportunities in both Edinburgh and on Islay, including the opportunity to play the breathtaking links at The Machrie.

Because July is peak golf season, tee times are limited and will be arranged separately from the main itinerary. If golf is on your must-do list, let us know early and we'll do our best to help make it happen.

Scotland has a way of experiencing every season in a single day.

Layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light waterproof jacket are highly recommended. For The Gathering, we suggest cocktail attire with a touch of Scotland, whether that's tartan, a thistle pin, or simply your favorite jacket.

Absolutely.

Many of the distilleries offer exclusive bottlings and unique souvenirs. Our transportation will safely carry purchases throughout the week, so there's no need to worry about hauling bottles from stop to stop.

Because the journey is part of the experience.

Traveling to Islay by coach and ferry allows you to experience Scotland's changing landscapes, the shores of Loch Lomond, and the excitement of watching the island appear on the horizon. It's the way generations of Islay visitors have arrived, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Planning a trip like this takes time, especially when it involves exclusive venues, boutique hotels, private transportation, and experiences reserved just for our group. By understanding interest early, we can secure the best partners, estimate group sizes, and create an even better experience for everyone.

Submitting the interest form isn't a commitment to attend. It's simply the best way to stay informed as plans come together over the next two years.

Right now, we're simply gathering interest.

Submitting an inquiry lets us understand how many people are interested in joining us, which experiences are most popular, and helps us reserve the right venues, accommodations, and transportation.

Formal reservations for the full journey are expected to open approximately 11 months before departure, once flights become available and major logistics have been finalized.

Our goal is to finalize the full group approximately six months before departure (around January 2028).

Guests joining The Spirit of Scotland for the full journey should expect to confirm their reservation and submit a deposit by that time, allowing us to finalize hotel rooming lists, private transportation, ferry reservations, and exclusive experiences. Full payment will be due 60 days in advance (May 1, 2028).

For guests joining individual events or shorter packages, RSVP deadlines may vary depending on the experience. Some events can accommodate later bookings, while others require advance commitments due to venue capacity or private reservations.

We'll communicate all deadlines well in advance, so there won't be any surprises.

Life happens, and we understand that.

Because many experiences throughout the trip involve private venues, exclusive reservations, ferry tickets, and accommodations booked specifically for our group, cancellation policies will vary depending on how close we are to departure and which experiences you've reserved.

Our goal is always to be fair, transparent, and as flexible as circumstances allow. A detailed cancellation policy will be provided before any deposits are collected, so you'll know exactly what to expect before making a commitment.

Whenever possible, we'll also do our best to help transfer reservations to another guest if your plans change unexpectedly. We will also encourage travel insurance, to cover unexpected changes.

Scotland has given me friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a place that truly feels like a second home. The Spirit of Scotland is my way of sharing that with others, not by rushing from one attraction to the next, but by slowing down, connecting with remarkable people, and experiencing Scotland the way I've come to love it.

I hope that when you return home, you'll feel the same way I do: already thinking about your next trip back.